-Wisconsin-based Catalog Retailer Duluth Trading Company Searches for Real Women to Showcase Ingenious Workwear-
BELLEVILLE, Wis. (June 23, 2011) – Calluses are a plus. Dirty fingernails a pre-requisite. Whether you spend the sweltering summer days staking tomatoes, running cows to pasture, or framing houses, Duluth Trading Company WANTS YOU to be their new catalog model. The solution-oriented workwear retailer based in Belleville, WI, is looking for hardworking women to showcase their gear on catalog and web pages – professional models need not apply.
Beginning TODAY and until August 13, women can enter the Duluth Real Women search online by visiting Duluth Trading’s Real Women Model Contest page. The winner, who will be announced at an event at Duluth Trading’s flagship store in Mt. Horeb, WI, on October 1, will receive a $1,000 Duluth Trading shopping spree and the opportunity to participate in catalog and online photo shoots this Fall.
Both in its catalog and product development, Duluth Trading is committed to ensuring its products keep up with the women who wear them. They have enlisted a Real Women Test Panel to use and abuse gear and provide feedback to the product development team. Launched in 2005, Duluth Trading’s women’s brand has experienced significant growth.
“Duluth builds products with hands-on, self reliant women in mind – women who view clothing as an asset for real life and work, not a fashion runway,” says Stephanie Pugliese, Duluth Trading’s senior vice president of product development and marketing. “We want the women who grace our pages to inspire others by photographing them in their own environment and highlighting the hard work that makes them so inspiring.”
Over the years, Duluth Real Women models have been veterinarians, produce and landscape farm owners, master gardeners, researchers and serious do-it-yourselfers who demand their clothing work as long and hard as they do. “My Duluth workwear is the best! I work outside in all types of weather and need to be comfortable and work efficiently,” says Rebecca Claypool , an agroecology grad, Midwest produce farm owner and Duluth Real Woman. “Duluth Trading makes durable, rugged clothing that actually fits well. Their gear is my go-to each season.”
Top Tools of the Trade from Duluth’s Real Women Models
A leader in innovative and functional products since 1991, Duluth Trading continues to add new offerings to their already robust product line-up. Duluth Trading’s Longtail Ts® come in a variety of styles, including: Henley, Crew, V-neck, Tank, Longsleeves and Turtlenecks. All Longtails are made of a soft rib knit that won’t lose their shape, pill or fade – and offer UPF 35 protection. Plus, Longtails are a full two inches longer than an ordinary t-shirt to stay tucked and cover women’s assets when they bend, reach or sit. $18.00 – $29.50
The ultimate in fashion meets function, Stretch Fire Hose® Cargo Pants have Duluth Trading’s contoured, Asset Management waistband, curved so it won’t gap in the back. Plus, they’re made of water and stain-resistant 8 oz. Fire Hose spandex/cotton canvas that is pre-washed for softness, providing just the right amount of flex in the fabric. These pants deliver for real, hard work too, with rivets and reinforcements at every stress point and nine pockets. Women’s Stretch Fire Hose is also available in regular Pants and Shorts. $44.50 – $49.50
Meet the jeans made for women of all shapes and sizes. Duluth Trading’s Denim Boot Cut Jeans have an Asset Management waist – contoured so it won’t gap in the back – which sits comfortably 2″ below the belly button. A Trim Fit through the hips and thighs closely follows curves, but thanks to stretch in the fabric, is never too tight. And a clever bonus: the middle back belt loop is shaped like a “V”, which keeps the belt from riding up when women bend, sit or crouch. Women’s jeans are also available in Original , Midweight and Relaxed Fit. $39.50 – $44.50
Women’s Railroad Striped Overalls are durable, work-worthy overalls made to fit a woman. They’re built tough with features like inside pouches at the knees for kneepads, triple stitching for durability, and double button side closures for a better fit. Instead of an ordinary chest pocket these bibs have an entire pocket system – cell phone pocket, pen slots and a large zipper pocket to keep things organized and within reach. There are also front slash pockets, side cargo pocket, two back pockets and hammer loop. Thirteen pockets all counted. Lighter weight fabric is perfect for the warmer months. $54.50
With an unprecedented twelve pockets, the Women’s Lightweight Utility Vest is a handy addition to any woman’s wardrobe. The pockets keep hands free while the large back mesh panel works to keep women cool and circulate air during long, hot days. “All the pockets are extremely handy,” says horticulturist and Duluth Real Woman, Ina. Plus, the two-way front zip unzips from the bottom to make bending, crouching and sitting easier. Teflon® treated for stain resistance. $59.50
The women’s Crusher Hat offers UPF 50+ protection built-in to shield sensitive skin, mesh sides to keep heads cool, a flexible brim and crown, adjustable chin cord and is completely machine washable. The Crusher can be packed, stuffed or squished anywhere and bounce right back into shape. Terrific for long, sun drenched days outside. $29.50
Duluth Trading’s No Gap Flannel Shirt (available late Summer 2011) is crafted from the softest yet most durable cotton flannel and made to fit a feminine figure. Its modern bi-swing feature, stretch concealed back panels, and underarm gussets help make movement easier for active women. Also features a wider packet to minimize gaps between buttons in the bust and maximize coverage. $39.50
Dirt-repelling Fire Hose® fabric is evolutionary because it’s tough as nails, yet still soft and flexible. The Flannel-lined Fire Hose® Action Jacket (available late Summer 2011) has a bi-swing back to allow shoulders full range of movement – no straining against tight seams, and eight pockets to stow a whole bunch of stuff. Interior storm cuffs keep out water, wind and dirt. A dropped back tail offers extra protection when women bend over, and the soft cotton flannel lining is quilted polyfil insulation for warmth. Princess seams add a hint of shape too, so it’s nothing like a boxy men’s jacket. 11.5-oz. 100% cotton with Teflon® finish. $99.50
Media Contact: Sara Ferden – sferden@leumpr.com or 952.401.0125 ext 2
About Duluth Trading Company
Duluth Trading Company (http://www.duluthtrading.com) was founded in 1993 by two tradesmen brothers tired of making do with inadequate job site equipment. Their first catalog included just nine tool organizers, all field-tested for practicality by grizzly construction guys and hard-as-nails tradesmen. Since then, Duluth Trading has expanded its offering to include hundreds of unique, tough, functional workwear products, tool and car organizers and gotta-have gadgets. Recently, Duluth Trading has introduced and retooled its women’s workwear line, building on the durability, functionality, and unique usefulness built into its men’s line.
Duluth Trading’s adherence to authenticity and commitment to craftsmanship is evidenced in the products. Men’s workwear is designed and tested by the Duluth Trades Panel and the women’s line is tested and approved by the Duluth’s Real Women Test Panel . All panel members have hands-on occupations who know a good – or bad – product when they see one. Signature products include the Longtail T® (the cure for “plumber butt”), men’s Ballroom Jeans (with a comfy crotch gusset for crouching without singing soprano), and exclusive Fire Hose® Workwear (made from tough but soft cotton canvas inspired by the kind that once protected actual fire hoses). Duluth Trading Company is located in Belleville, Wisconsin, and opened its flagship retail store at 100 Main Street, Mount Horeb, Wisconsin in November 2010.
